08.08.2025 02:21

Tesla has parted ways with Pete Bannon, a key figure in its hardware division, marking a significant shift in the company's AI strategy. After nearly a decade with the company, Bannon, formerly a prominent A-series chip designer at Apple, leaves behind a legacy of building Tesla's custom silicon capabilities and spearheading its ambitious AI initiatives.

Bannon's most notable achievement was leading the development of Dojo, Tesla's custom-built supercomputer for AI training. Reporting directly to Elon Musk, he played a critical role in Tesla's efforts to minimize its dependence on external AI hardware suppliers like Nvidia. His departure, however, signals a dramatic change in course for the company.

Following news reports, subsequently corroborated by several industry sources, it has been revealed that Elon Musk initiated a strategic redirection, resulting in the complete shutdown of the Dojo program. The dedicated Dojo team, after years of development, is now being reassigned to other computing and data center projects within Tesla.

Dojo represented one of Tesla's most ambitious technological endeavors, a bespoke AI training platform utilizing Tesla-designed chips to process the massive volume of data generated by its global vehicle fleet. This data is crucial for progressing Tesla's Full Self-Driving (FSD) and robotics programs, making Dojo a pivotal component of their future plans.

The decision to discontinue Dojo signifies a substantial recalibration of Tesla's AI roadmap. Instead of pursuing the development of its own AI chips from the ground up, the company is now pivoting towards closer collaboration with established chip and hardware manufacturers. This shift represents a significant departure from its previous, more self-reliant approach to AI hardware.